Elastic storage tank and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

An elastic, fluid-impervious storage tank includes a pair of end tank sections and intermediate tank sections, the latter being provided an inlet or filler pipe. Each end section is formed from a single blank of a fiber-reinforced elastomer which is cut and folded so that the corner portions thereof are of rounded configuration.

United States Patent Jones 1 Nov. 11, 1975 15 1 ELASTIC STORAGE TANK AND METHOD 3,251,075 5/1966 Saltness et a1. 5/337 3.453164 7/1969 Gursky et a1. 156/198 FOR MAKING THE SAME [75] Inventor: Walter C. Jones1 Armstrong, Iowa [73] Assignee: Rubber Dynamics Corporation,

Armstrong, Iowa [22] Filed: June 12, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 478,738

[52] US. Cl. 156/211; 150/5; 150/1; 156/227; 156/258. 156/263; 156/304 [51] Int. Cl. A45C 11/00 [58] Field of Search .1 156/69. 196, 211, 217. 156/227, 258. 304, 263; 150/5, 1; 229/41 R, 41 B, 53; 5/348 WB [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.724.418 11/1955 Krupp 150/.5

Primary Examiner-Charles E Van Horn Assistant Erunu'ner-Basil J. Lewris Arm/vie Age/11,01Firm-Williamson. Bains & Moore [5 7] ABSTRACT An elastic, fluid-impervious storage tank includes a pair of end tank sections and intermediate tank sections, the latter being provided an inlet or filler pipe. Each end section is formed from a single blank of a fiber-reinforced elastomer which is cut and folded so that the corner portions thereof are of rounded configuration.

4 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 3,919,030

ELASTIC STORAGE TANK AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME 'SUMMARY or THE INVENTION This invention relates to an elastic storage tank and method of making the same.

Elastic type storage tanks have been commercially developed. but most of these tanks are of very large capacity. although there are some small elastic storage receptacles presently available. Because of the location of the tank, it is often desirable to construct the tank generally of rectangular shape. Most of the prior art elastic tanks are not of rectangular configuration, and those tanks that are rectangularly shaped have angular corners. It will be appreciated that angular corner portions in these prior art elastic tanks is structurally less efficient than arcuate corner portions.

It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide an elastic storage tank of small and intermediate sizes, and a method of making the same, wherein the tank in a nondistended condition is of generally rectangular configuration, but is provided with arcuate corner portions. In carrying out the present method. each tank is comprised of a pair of end sections each being formed from a single blank of a fluid impervious elastomer. The blanks are cut and folded and certain edges thereof are sealingly secured together to permit each blank to be quickly formed into a generally rectangular shaped end section having arcuate corner portions. The end sections are then secured together or to an intermediate section to form the completed tank. Thus through present novel methods, a generally rectangular shaped tank may be readily formed which has rounded corner portions and which can withstand greater stresses than any heretofore mentioned prior art storage tanks.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the novel tank with certain parts thereof removed in an exploded fasion for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the various components of applicant's novel tank;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the end tank section blanks, and illustrating the manner in which the blanks are cut from a sheet of material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing, and more specifically to the FIG. 1, it will be seen that one embodiment of my novel flexible tank, designated generally by the reference numeral is there shown. The tank 10 is comprised of a pair of end tank sections 11, interconnected to an intermediate tank section 12. According to the present method of making the elastic tank 10, the intermediate tank section 12 and each of the end tank sections are constructed separately and are then joined together to form the completed tank which, as shown, is of generally rectangular or parallelepiped configuration, but having rounded corner portions. Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be noted that each end tank section 11 is comprised of an upper wall portion l3, a bottom wall portion 14, opposed side wall portions 15, and an end wall portion 16. It will further be noted that each end tank section 11 has corner portions 17 which are of generally arcuate or rounded configuration.

Each end tank section I] is formed from a single blank 18 of a fiber-reinforced fluid impervious elastomer. It will be noted that each blank 18 is of generally rectangular configuration having substantially straight parallel longitudinal edges, but having transverse edges which are offset. Thus. as each successive cut is made by the cutting die, the roll or sheet of material from which the blanks 18 are cut is turned over so that the longitudinal edges of the sheet of material are reversed for each successive cut. This permits the cutting step to be successively made without changing the position of the cutting die, and also results in a substantial saving of material since there is little loss of waste during the cutting steps.

Each blank 18 is first folded along a fold line 19 to form the blank 18 into a substantially rectangular shaped panel 20 and a rectangular shaped panel 21. The fold line 19 actually constitutes the longitudinal center line for the blank and is equally spaced from the longitudinal edge 22 of the panel 20 and the longitudinal edge 24 of the panel 21. The panel 20 also includes transverse edge portions 23 while the panel 21 includes transverse edge portions 25 which are offset laterally outwardly from the edges 23. The panel 21 is also folded along a pair of transverse fold lines 26 adjacent opposite ends thereof, to thereby form a pair of end panels 27 which are also of elongate generally rectangular configuration. It will be noted that the fold lines 26 are disposed substantially normal to the longitudinal edge 24.

The blank 18 is cut in a manner so that a panel 20 is provided with a pair of generally triangular shaped flaps 28 which project longitudinally of the blank 18, but laterally outwardly from the panel 20 adjacent the fold line 19. It will be noted that each flap 28 has a sub stantially straight edge portion 29 and an arcuate edge portion 30 which is 'cut on a predetermined radius.

Each of the end panels 27 is also provided with a generally triangular shaped flap 31 which projects transversely of the blank I8 but longitudinally from the end panel 27 and generally in a direction towards one of the flaps 28 on the panel 20. It will be noted that each triangular shaped flap 3] includes a straight edge portion 32 and an arcuate edge portion 33 which is cut on a predetermined radius. The panel 21 also includes a pair of arcuate edge portions 34, each cut on a predetermined radius and each extending between one of the flaps 31 on the end panel 27 and a flap 28 on panel 20. It will be noted that the radius for the arcuate edge portions 34 of the panel 21 is tangential to the fold line 26 and to the fold line 19.

A suitable adhesive material is applied to one surface of the arcuate edge portions 30 of the flaps 28, and the arcuate edge portions 34 of the panel 21, the arcuate edge portion and straight edge portion of each flap 31, and the longitudinal edge portions of each end panel 27. After the flank I8 is folded along fold line 19 and fold lines 26, edge portion 29 for each flap 28 will be disposed in lapped relation with respect to edge portions 32 of the associated flap 31. These edge portions will be secured together as best seen in FIG. 1, but a slit-like opening will remain at each corner portion and will be defined by edge portions 30, 33 and 34 respectively for each comer portion.

Means are provided for forming and closing each comer portion and this means includes a formed elongate arcuate inner attachment member 36 which is formed of a suitable elastomer and having it outer or convex surface coated with a suitable adhesive for sea]- ing attachment to the inner surface of a corner portion to cover and close the opening therein. A formed elongate arcuate outer attachment member 37 is also provided for each comer portion and is formed of a suitable elastomer having its inner or concave surface coated with a suitable adhesive for sealing attachment to the outer surface of each corner portion. Since the inner and outer attachment members are preformed to an arcuate configuration, there is no inherent memory in these attachment members, thereby assuring that the corner portions will remain rounded or arcuate in configuration. The lapped construction of the corner portions as well as the provision of inner and outer attachment members, provides a very strong stress resistant structure.

The longitudinal edge 25 of each end panel will be disposed in overlying lapped relation with an edge por tion 23 of the panel and will be secured thereto by the adhesive applied to the edge portion 25. Each end tank section will then be completely formed and will have a closed end defined by the end wall portion 16 and an open end defined by a continuous peripheral edge 38. The intermediate tank section 12 is formed from a single elongate generally rectangular blank of the fiber-reinforced elastomer, the transverse edges of the blank being disposed in overlapped relation and secured together by a suitable adhesive and by sealing tapes 39 which overly and underly the lapped ends. Thus when the intermediate tank section is formed, it presents continuous peripheral end edges 40 at opposite ends thereof.

The inner peripheral edge 38 of each end tank section is disposed in overlapped relation with the peripheral end edges 40 of the intermediate tank section 12 and are sealingly joined thereto by suitable adhesive and by suitable elongate sealing tapes 41 to seal the end sections to the intermediate section.

lnlet or filler means are provided on the intermediate section and includes a generally oval metal ring 42 having a plurality of axially extending internally threaded bosses 43 integral therewith. The ring 42 is positioned against the inner surface of the intermediate tank section 12 and each of the internally threaded bosses 43 is disposed in registering relation with one of a plurality of apertures (not shown) in the intermediate section. A substantially flat oval plate 44 is positioned upon the exterior surface of the intermediate tank section, the plate having a plurality of spaced apart apertures in the marginal portions thereof, each being disposed in registering relation with one of the bosses 43 on the ring 42. Bolts 46 threadedly engage the bosses 43 and clamp the plate 44 and ring 42 on the intermediate tank section 12. The plate 42 is provided with a filler or inlet pipe 45 which projects upwardly or outwardly therefrom, the pipe communicating with an opening in the intermediate tank to permit filling or evacuation of the tank. A closure cap 47 is releasably secured to the upper end of the inlet pipe 45 to permit the inlet pipe to be closed in sealing relation.

In some instances, the two end tank sections may be joined together directly by a suitable adhesive and sealing tapes. When a tank is so constructed, one end section will be provided with an inlet structure. It is also pointed out that a tank may be constructed from a single blank of material using the principles of my novel method, the blank having four sets of corner flaps for formation of the rounded comer portions.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that l have provided a novel elastic storage tank, which is of generally rectangular or parallelepiped configuration but which is provided with rounded arcuate corners, a structural feature that greatly increases the strngth of the tank. The novel method employed in making the tank permits ready fabrication of the tank with a minimum of effort and labor, and with a minimum of loss of material during the blank forming steps.

My novel storage tank is especially adapted for use in storing fluids such as water, chemicals and especially fuels such as gasoline or the like. When the tank is used as a fuel storage receptacle, the flexible elastic properties of the tank cause the tank to continuously collapse as it is evacuated so that the interior of the tank has little, if any, volumetric space in which volatile vapors may accummulate. The tank is therefore ideal for storing volatile fuels such as gasoline since the tank re mains in a substantially full condition as the fuel is evacuated.

My novel tank can also be used to store particulate or pulverulent materials such as grain, flour, sugar or the like. In this regard, the tank will be provided with an outlet through which the particulate material is removed, and a user may introduce air under pressure through the inlet to assist the removal of the particulate material in a fluidized stream of air.

Thus it will be seen that l have provided a novel elastic storage tank which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which functions in a more efficient manner than any heretofore known comparable device.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of making an elastic storage tank for fluid and fluid-like material, comprising:

cutting a pair of generally rectangular shaped blanks from a sheet of impervious, fiber-reinforced elastomer, each blank having substantially straight longitudinal edges and transverse edges,

folding each blank along a fold line disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges of the blank to form the blank into a pair of large panels, one of said panels having a greater length than the other panel,

folding said larger panel of each blank along a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel transverse fold lines, each transverse fold line being located adjacent one end of the larger panel, to thereby define a pair of end panels at opposite ends of said larger panel,

the smaller of said larger panels of each blank having a pair of triangular shaped flaps, each extending longitudinally therefrom adjacent the fold line between said larger panels, said end panels each having a generally triangular shaped flap which projects transversely of each blank, but longitudinally from the end panel and generally in a direction towards one of the triangular flaps on the smaller of said larger panels, the larger panel of each blank having a pair of arcuate edge portions, each being located between the flap on one of the end panels and a flap on the smaller of the large panels,

folding edge portions of the triangular shaped flap on an end panel in lapped relation with an edge portion on a triangular shaped flap of one of the smaller of said large panels, securing said lapped edge portions together in sealing relation,

securing edge portions of the end panels to the edge portions of the smaller of the larger panels,

applying a pair of formed arcuate attachment members each to an arcuate edge portion of the larger panel and to the folded flaps of an end panel in the other large panel to thereby form an arcuate corner portion, and to thereby complete the formation of each blank into an end tank section, each end tank section having an open end with a continuous peripheral edge defined by certain edges of the end panels and large panels,

interconnecting the peripheral edge of an open end of one end tank section with the peripheral edge of an open end of the other end tank section and sealingly joining the two tank sections by the use of a connecting medium to thereby form the completed elastic tank.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 and forming a rectangular blank of a fiber-reinforced elastomer, disposing end edge portions of the last mentioned blank in overlapped relation, and securing said lapped edges together in sealed relation to form an intermediate tank section having continuous peripheral end edges, said intermediate tank section defining said connecting medium, disposing each peripheral end edge of the intermediate tank section in lapped relation with the peripheral end edge of an end tank section, and securing said lapped edges together in sealed relation.

3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said flaps on the end panels and large panel each have an arcuate edge portion defined by a predetermined radius.

4. The method as defined in claim I wherein said arcuate edge portions on the larger of said large panels is defined by a predetermined radius which is substantially tangential to the fold line between said large pan- 

1. A METHOD OF MAKING AN ELASTIC STORAGE TANK FOR FLUID AND FLUID-LIKE MATERIAL, COMPRISING: CUTTING A PAIR OF GENERATING RECTANGULAR SHAPED BLANKS FROM A SHEET OF IMPERVIOUS, FIBER-REINFRCED ELASTOMER, EACH BLANK HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY STRAIGHT LONGITUDINAL EDGES AND TRANSVERSE EDGES, FOLDING EACH BLANK ALONG A FOLD LINE DISPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE LONTIDUDINAL EDGES OF THE BLANK TO FORM THE BLANK INTO A PAIR OF LARGE PANELS, ONE OF SAID PANELS HAVING A GREATER LENGTH THAN THE OTHER PANEL, FOLDING SAID LARGER PANEL OF EACH BLANK ALONG A PAIR OF SPACED APART SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TRANSVERSE FOLD LINES, EACH TRANSVERSE FOLD LINE BEING LOCATED ADJACENT ONE END OF THE LARGER PANEL, TO THEREBY DEFINE A PAIR OF END PANELS AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID LARGE PANEL, THE SMALLER OF SAID LARGE PANELS OF EACH BLANK HAVING A PAIR OF TRINGULAR SHAPED FLAPS, EACH EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY THEREFROM ADJACEN THE FOLD ALINE BETWEEN SAID LARGER PANELS, SAID FLAP WHICH PROJECTS TRANSVERSILY OF EACH BLANK, BUT SHAPED FLAP WHICH PROJECTS TRANSVERSELY OF EACH BLANK, BUT LONGITUDINALY FROM THE END PANEL AND GENERALLY IN A DIRECTION TOWARDS ONE OF THE TRANGULAR FLAPS ON THE SMALLER OF SAID LARGER PANELS, THE LARGER PANEL OF EACH BLANK HAVING A PAIR ARCUWATE EDGE PORTIONS, EACH BEING LOVATED BETWEEN THE FLAP ON ONE OF THE END PANELS AND A FLAP ON THE SMALLER OF THE LARGE PANELS, FOLDING EDGE PORTIONS -OF THE TRIANGULAR SHAPED FLAPA ON AN EDN PANEL IN LAPPED RELATION WITH AN EDGGE PORTION ON A TRIANGULAR SHAPED FLAP ON ONE OF THE SMALLER SAIDLARGER PANELS, SECURING SAID LAPPED EDGE PORTIONS TOGETHER IN SEALING RELATION, SECURING EDGE PORTIONS OF THE END PANELS TO THE EDGE PORTIONS OF THE SMALLER OF THE LARGER PANELS, APPLYING A PAIR OF FORMED ARCULATE ATTACHMENT MEMBERS EACH TO A ARCUATE EDGE PORTION OF THE LARGER PANEL AND TO THE FOLDED FLAPS OF AN END PANEL IN THE OTHER LARGE PANEL TO THEREBY FORM AN ARCULATE CORNER PORTION, AND TO HEREBY COMPLETE THE FORMATION OF EACH BLANK INTO A END TANK SECTION, EACH END TANK SECTION HAVING AN OPEN END WHICH A CONTINUOUS PERIPHERAL EDGE DEFINED BY CERTAIN EDGES OF THE END PANELS AND LARGE PANELS, INTERCONNECTNG THE PERIPHERAL EDGE OF AN OPEN END OF ONE END TANK SECTION WITH THE PERIPHERAL EDGE OF AN OPEN END OF THE OTHER END TANK SECTION AND SEALINLY JOINING THE TWO TANK SECTION BY THE USE OF A CONNECTING MEDIUM TO THEREBY FORM THE COMPLETED ELASTIC TANK.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1 and forming a rectangular blank of a fiber-reinforced elastomer, disposing end edge portions of the last mentioned blank in overlapped relation, and securing said lapped edges together in sealed relation to form an intermediate tank section having continuous peripheral end edges, said intermediate tank section defining said connecting medium, disposing each pEripheral end edge of the intermediate tank section in lapped relation with the peripheral end edge of an end tank section, and securing said lapped edges together in sealed relation.
 3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said flaps on the end panels and large panel each have an arcuate edge portion defined by a predetermined radius.
 4. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said arcuate edge portions on the larger of said large panels is defined by a predetermined radius which is substantially tangential to the fold line between said large panels. 